INTERVIEW: Tia Maria Torres on her struggle to help pit bulls and parolees
When the fourth season of Animal Planet’s Pit Bulls and Parolees premieres Saturday, Oct. 6 at 10 p.m., viewers will notice several differences in the reality TV show. Tia Maria Torres and her organization, Villalobos Rescue Center, have left the sunshine of California and headed to the Big Easy. New Orleans, still recovering after Hurricane Katrina, has become the new setting for her quest to help misunderstood dogs and second-chance individuals.
Recently, Hollywood Soapbox talked with Torres about her move to New Orleans and the struggles that continue to burden the rescue operations. Questions and answers have been slightly edited.
Are you excited to have the new season premiere? This is big for you, moving down to New Orleans. How has it been?
It’s been pretty up and down. We hit the ground running, you know. When we were moving, we were still filming. And when we were unpacking, we were filming, and we’ve been filming ever since. So we kind of haven’t caught up with our real life.
For viewers, why did you make the move in the first place?
Several reasons. A lot of it was financial, because California was just getting to be too much. Also it was (dogs bark in the background) … a lot of the rules and regulations were changing out in California. I’ve been living there my entire life. And they were making it impossible to even run a facility … and just for whatever reason some of the authorities were not very receptive to our parolee program.
So we just started shopping around for where we could live. And it was tough, because it wasn’t like I just woke up and said, ‘OK, let’s go to Louisiana.’ I literally shopped. I would call on places that were for sale or for rent.
And I would say, ‘Hey, you know, this is what we have. Can I get a license for a dog kennel there?’
They’re like, ‘Yeah, no problem. What kind of dogs do you have?’
‘Oh, pit bulls.’
‘Oh, yeah, no.’
So then I tried other things. I tried not telling anybody what kind of dogs I had, and I would just say, ‘Yeah, I run a rescue. You know, it’s a dog rescue.’
And they say, ‘Oh, no problem. Yes, you can get a kennel license in this area. What was your name?’
‘Tia Torres.’
‘Oh, you’re the one with that pit-bull show. Yeah, no.’
So it was process of elimination. I narrowed it down to three different states. I got down to Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana and just finally decided on Louisiana just because of our ties here from Katrina. And Louisiana was very receptive to us. They made the move and transition super easy.
Has that been one of the biggest struggles, that a lot of people have a misconception about pit bulls?
Yeah, that’s part of it. … People just don’t want, you know, 200 dogs living next door to them either. So it’s a compounded answer. It’s the pit bulls. It’s all the dogs. And a lot of times, too, you know with the parolees, they don’t want to hear anything about them. They just know that these guys are coming out of prison and they don’t want them in their area. It’s not like we’ve got Timmy and Lassie working for us. We’ve got pit bulls and parolees, so it’s rough.
Do you like having the cameras around you all the time?
No, no, no. It’s hard. It’s hard. Not their fault, because the production company has been great. They’re wonderful. They’re all dog lovers. A couple of the crew members and producers have even adopted from us. They’re great. But for us, because this is real life for us, you know we’re not a scripted show. … So, TV scheduling and filming does very much collide with our real life. So, it’s rough. It’s very rough. And it’s the roughest on me because I’m the one that answers all the emails, the phone calls, and yet I’m the one that has to be almost in every shot that they film. It’s pretty rough. So we have to juggle it.
Are you still in the middle of filming?
We’re still filming, yeah. We’re wrapping up here, but we are still filming.
Do you ever watch the episodes on TV?
I see a lot of the rough cuts, because I have to look at them for technical purposes and stuff. But I do watch them when they air. I watch them once and that’s it.
Do you think the show has given a new perspective on pit bulls and parolees?
Oh, yeah. The way people now approach us and talk to us about the pit-bull issue has changed so much — like so much, I can’t even tell you. So, you know think about it, we are the first show ever that has ever been out on TV where pit bulls are portrayed in such a good light. So, in my opinion, we set the way for the breed. We paved that road and said, ‘OK, now everybody else, jump on in. And help us spread the word.’
It’s worth putting up with the cameramen because it’s a good message that’s getting across.
Absolutely. That’s what I mean, TV-wise it’s absolutely well worth it. The parolees have fun with it. The dogs have fun with it. My kids have fun with it. I’m the only one that has a hard time with it, because I’m the one trying to run the rescue, and I’m the one that the show focuses around. So, it’s very rough for me, because I have to juggle both worlds.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
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Pit Bulls and Parolees returns with new episodes on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 10 p.m. on Animal Planet. Click here for more information.
Tia Torres is to be commended for all she’s done for the American Pitbull Terrier. California’s loss of her rescue, is
Louisiana’s gain. Thank you Tia, for your tenacity & ability to remain strong in the face of adversity!
i Like what you do for them
Are parolees bad?
My answer-No. Cus obviously if they are asking Tia for a job abd such, they want a seccond chance. If thry do good in jail, they want a seccond chance.
Are Pitbulls bad?
My answer-Yes and no. But mostly no. If they are raised badly they will be bad, raised good, will bw good.
Is Tia’s rescue awesome?
my answer- Yes 🙂
49 of the 50 pitbulls involved in the michael vick case were rehabilitated and are now household pets. So yes pitbulls can be raised to be “bad”, but that doesnt mean they always will be.
Your the best. You have been such a angel for those animals. We watch every episode & adore the love you have for those dogs. Me & my family have been watching you for years & at times I cry. Cheech & chong’s episode was on lastnite and the world needs more awesome people like u. God bless you & your family
I just love Tia and her family for what they started. Best part gives pit bulls and parolees second chance. I’ve watched most of the shows more than once. I’m a Tia fan.
I’d love see here come to Texas.
Or start something in my state.
Tia has saved the breed from extermination! I love what they are doing! I donate from every item i sell on ebay to Villalobos! I had to put a great dog to sleep due to local laws against pitbulls and i believe the exposure Tia is giving this breed will help to change these ridiculous laws! Thank you
Wait what ? You had to put your Pit to sleep due to local laws?? What law and where ? For what?
I hate to say it but alot of cities,states and towns have that law. Michigan is one that I was watching that if they capture ANY PIT BULL EVEN PUPPIES BEING WALKED BY UNDER AGED OWNERS THEY TAKE THE DOG AND UTHENIZ THEM all FOR NO REASON.They arent allowed in cincinnati,ohio which is where I live. I have two german shepards and I had to find home insurance that would allow them.
I don’t know if you get tired of hearing what a good person you are, but really you’re an angel in disguise. You do more for the dogs and men than anyone else. I am so sorry I missed some shows, like your move. I am glad you got out of California. You really have a good connection with the pollice and that in itself is a plus. God bless you and your work, Tia.
Tía María la admiro muchísimo por hacer lo que hace con los perros yo no me pierdo ningún programa de usted es bien humana yo soy de miami. Ahora mismo está su programa siga así debería venir a miami gótica
I accidently started watching your show and got instantly hooked! You bring out the best in people and dogs! Your show is the only reality show that I will EVER watch! Keep up the good work.
Would love to come and help….I help and love pits
Tia, I have watched you everytiime I can find you. You are fantastic, and your family. I do as much ass I can on a smaller scale for all animals. We think alike! Thank you all for what you do and God Bless you.!,
Love your show, Thanks for what you do!
Hi, tia my name is dana reilly . God bless u and your family and your dogs. U do a good job. Like your show. I can not wait for season 6.I still think your cute. I still want to meat you. I now u like to talk about dogs .but I do not have one.sorry. I always wanted a golden ret. I would like it if u came to berlin ct. So I could meat u in person.
Really enjoy show. My grandson rescued a pit bull mix dog from the police. I don’t think they really wanted to take the dog inti thr shelter. My daughter has always been scared of dogs, now let’s this pit. Bull to sleep. On the couch with her. We all love this dog he was trained to sleep in cage snd to ask to go out side. I just felt so strongly about the dogs that I has to write. We currently have 4 cats and 2 dogs, so we are loaded with animals. We would have to hide the cats if our HOA visited, keep up the work. I purchased a tee shirt for my grand son. Now I am just rambling, good luck.
Wanda Garcia
I saw the episode where he and his family moves there for several reasons. Why don’t we see him any more ?
Isaw the episoide where Mondo and his family moved where you are now for several reasons. Why don’t we see or here of him any more?
Trying to reach Tia for a bucket list request.Several messages out there please contact time is getting short!! Pass it on. Many Thanks.